AustLit

'This is author Naomi Hunter’s truth. A survivor of child sexual abuse and now an acclaimed children’s book author details her journey as a child born into chaos and abuse, to becoming an empowered author and child advocate.

'Her autobiography One Little Life is written as a fictional narrative and while the recollection of her memories is often confronting, Naomi’s story leaves readers with a sense of troubling beauty, and the power to stand for survivors and with survivors.

'“I’m no longer apologetic for my story and I know I didn’t cause or deserve a single act of sexual, physical or emotional abuse, nor does any survivor. Sexual abuse is not an incurable illness. No assault is too painful to be witnessed or heard, and no story is too shame-filled or soul crushing that we can’t find ways to confront them and heal.”'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'I love my holiday beach.

'Where the air is so easy to breathe. Bodies feel as soft as sun-kissed sand, and brothers are slightly less annoying. Worries drift away with the tide. Even watermelon tastes better!

'Where I love to be.

'If only I could find a way to bring it home...

'A story about practising positive mindset.'

(Source: publisher's blurb)

'I was a happy letter.
'I would do art with A and play on the monkey bars with M. But most of the time, I would play alone.

'One night, N posted an embarrassing image online. I logged out and went to bed not feeling so happy.

'Sometimes things happen online that are difficult for young people to cope with. It’s up to U! encourages young people to be upstanders and make the online experience a positive one for those around them.'

(Source: publisher's blurb)

'All boys think that they have the best mum in the world. But I’m lucky, because I know it. That’s not because everyone else’s mum isn’t good, I’m sure they are wonderful. But my mum is as soft as a pillow and that has to be the most special thing in the whole wide world.

'My Mum’s a Pillow encourages everyone to feel that they are beautiful just the way they are. The things that make us different, are what make us wonderful.'

(Source: publisher's blurb)

'My baby sister couldn’t wait to see the world. That’s why she came so early. She probably didn’t know she would be stuck inside a hospital. She probably didn’t know that I wouldn’t be allowed to see her.

'Come Home Ella light-heartedly follows the emotional journey of a family after their baby’s early arrival. Told through the eyes of baby Ella’s older sibling, it aims to educate children about premature babies and help families experiencing similar situations deal with the emotions involved.'

(Source: publisher's blurb)

'‘Dad, it’s my wish feather.’ I gently place my dream treasure under my pillow. Mum promised to always be with me...

'Feathers is a gentle book that supports any children who may have lost a loved one. Sometimes a simple reminder of their presence can make all the difference.'

(Source: publisher's blurb)

'After talking with her Mum, Rosie believed she was the most beautiful girl in the whole entire world - but the day she met Penelope Pennington she wasn't so sure.

'Penelope Pennington had the perfect hair, the perfect clothes, the perfect shoes and even the perfect cat!

'So, when Rosie and Penelope unexpectedly walk home together, they both make some meaningful discoveries along the way. Was Penelope really that perfect?

'How does Rosie manage to overcome her self-doubt to lead the way?' (Publication summary)

'I used to have a Daddy who was like all other Daddies. One who would go to work, and play with me when he was home. But one day, something changed. He started saying strange things, doing strange things. I was confused. 

'Sometimes people can act strangely and it can be a bit frightening and sometimes they need to get help to be better and to feel like themselves again. My Daddy is Different is a beautiful story to nurture any children who might have an adult special to them who is suffering from mental illness. Children can be empowered about mental illness, educated to know that they are still loved and that mental illness is not something to be ashamed of, but something to be talked about. It is by having meaningful discussions that we can nurture and encourage children to feel safe and supported.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Jimmy blinked away tears. What if I get it wrong like last time? Glob hovered over him, like an angry rain cloud blocking out the sun. Jimmy looked down and shook his head.

'"Go away, Glob," Jimmy thought.

'Did you know that everyone feels anxious or scared from time to time? It is a normal human emotion. Like when you almost fall or when you see a snake. It’s your body’s natural ‘fight, flight or freeze’ response.

'Go Away Glob encourages children to process and overcome feelings of anxiety, worry and self-doubt, to get back to enjoying the activities that they love.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'The Bloomington family, Bill, Betty and Bobo are forced to leave their homeland and their fellow Blue Blobs as their land no longer grows the blueberries they survive on. After a long and arduous journey they find an island that is perfect for growing blueberries. Soon after they realize that the island has inhabitants who do not make them welcome. 

'Will they find a way to get along? 

'Two little characters will show them the way.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Elliott only likes to eat blue things. It is his favourite colour. Blue for breakfast. Blue for lunch. Blue for dinner. But when no blue things can be found in the rainforest, Elliott has to make the difficult choice, does he continue to battle his grumbly, rumbly, squelchy tummy, or does he try something new and strange? After a brief encounter with a beautiful creature with a rainbow heart, Elliott sets out on a quest for one of his own.

'Join Elliott as he very bravely makes his way through the rainforest on a quest for something more, something strange, something rainbow!

'Elliott's Rainbow Heart nurtures children who struggle with new experiences, empowers them to give things a go and bravely deal with the emotions that accompany a change.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'As Flynn watched everyone having fun, sadness swarmed inside him, and then, he spotted the bird. Weightless. Free. It skated across the sun-splashed sky, painting the earth below with its shadow.

'That’s how I want to be, thought Flynn.

'A sensitive and nurturing story about a boy who is finding life difficult after being confined to a wheelchair. Flynn’s story will inspire children and adults to look beyond their current situation and to dream for their own greatness and freedom.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'“If only I knew how to get to heaven!”, Summer whispered.
But Summer was sick of crying.
Summer set off to find heaven…

'Set off on a journey of discovery and adventure with Summer, a determined young girl who wants to find heaven. This beautiful story reassures children that loved ones are always with us.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'I have a friend called Molly, she loves playing games.
Molly sleeps under my bed, nobody can see her, only me.
One day Molly wasn’t in my room, she wasn’t anywhere.
That night I cried.

'This is a beautifully simple book that reassures kids that there is a friend out there perfect for them. A gentle story of friendship and having the courage to make new friends.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Marli and Max were identical twins who loved nothing more than speeding around on their imaginary unicorns. Until bedtime came. Now that was when all of their magic appeared to run dry. They held a deep, dark and frightening secret… 

'Marli and Max always had scary dreams. 

'This fun and fantastical book explores how this brave duo use their fearless sparkle to fight their scary dreams with special marshmallow power!!'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Amelia Arbuckle and her family are moving away. Amelia is sad because they are moving away from Granny. Amelia visits her granny every day before moving and together they have amazing adventures and lots of laughs. 

'This beautiful book highlights the beautiful, fun and playful relationship that exists between a child and their grandparent. It is comforting and reassuring for kids who are moving away from close family.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Sophie stood Bear at the top of the castle.

'“You’re so brave, Bear!”

'When Sophie returned from dinner, Bear was not where she had left him.

'“Bear, where are you?” Sophie called.

'Go on an adventure with Sophie as she attempts to find her best friend, Bear. Sophie has to be brave, just like Bear, but the Shadow Monster is lurking in the dark. This gentle book encourages children to face their fears and to have courage, even if they are frightened or nervous.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Jemima likes to sing loud, dance her own moves and use her imagination, but her teacher and the other kids think she's too 'different'. When Mrs Chuckles takes over the class, Jemima discovers that being different is WONDERFUL!' (Publication summary)